Share:

The modern era of flight lifted off June 4, 1783 when the brothers Montgolfier demonstrated their invention, the hot-air balloon, before a crowd of dignitaries in Annonay, France. The flight covered 1.2 miles, lasted 10 minutes, and had an estimated altitude of around 6,000 feet.

No hot air from us, just the best stories of the week:

Mary Meeker’s 2016 Internet Trends Report: “The fastest way to learn everything going on in tech is to read this report. Kleiner Perkins partner Mary Meeker has become a legend for publishing these compilations of the most critical stats and trends about how technology is evolving. From the funding climate to smartphone adoption to the tech giants to cutting-edge inventions, the Mary Meeker Internet Trends Report has it all.”

You might have read the headline that for the first time in modern history, the most common living arrangement for 18-34 year olds is living with their parents. But that doesn’t mean Millennials are spoiled, affluent white kids. This good read challenges false stereotypes about Millennials. “For many Millennials, moving out, even if they want to, could lead them make financial decisions that would put them in an even more precarious place, and that’s precisely the opposite of what they, or the economy, need.

The bias against creatives as leaders: Executives often regard creativity as the most important leadership trait – unless the creative person in question is an executive. “Unconsciously, we assume that someone who is creative can’t be a good leader, and as a result, any evidence of creativity can diminish a candidate’s perceived leadership potential.”

Fear-free marketing: “Peter Bronsman broke the rules for making cider and the rules for advertising. He went against all accepted marketing wisdom. He says he did it because he learned a valuable lesson that night alone in the ocean. He learned, outside of dying, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

What’s the Secret Weapon? Read: “I know that if I let go of that, if I stop reading and searching for new thoughts, or better old ones, my work is going to suffer. I think a good part of what informs my voice, and guides my decisions both as a writer and an entrepreneur is gained from reading a wide range of different things, all the time. It challenges my ideas and it makes me re-evaluate them constantly.”